In July, stable turnover growth of retail trade enterprises continued

31 August 2017 – news release no 92

According to Statistics Estonia, in July 2017, compared to July of the previous year, the turnover of retail trade enterprises increased 1% at constant prices. While in June turnover growth accelerated to 4% compared to the same month of the previous year, in July growth decelerated and sales continued to grow at one percent similarly to April and May.

In July 2017, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 592 million euros.

The turnover of stores selling manufactured goods increased 11% compared to July 2016. Turnover increased in most economic activities, except in non-specialized stores selling predominantly manufactured goods (e.g. department stores) it stayed at the same level as in July of the previous year. Turnover increased the most in stores selling via mail order or the Internet, with sales increasing nearly a third (31%) in year-over-year comparison. A higher than average increase in turnover occurred also in other specialised stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, flowers, plants, etc. (17%).

The turnover of grocery stores decreased 3% compared to July 2016. A part of the reason for the fall in the turnover of these stores was the continuing price increase of food products.

The turnover of enterprises engaging in the retail sale of automotive fuel, which showed a slight increase in May and June, started falling again in July, decreasing 9% compared to July of the previous year.

Compared to the previous month, in July, the turnover of retail trade enterprises stayed at the same level. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, turnover decreased 1% compared to the previous month. In the seven months of 2017 (January–July), the turnover of retail trade enterprises increased 2% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

The statistics are based on the VAT declaration data of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia published the monthly summary in five working days. For the statistical activity “Economic indicators of trade enterprises”, the main representative of public interest is the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, commissioned by whom Statistics Estonia performs this statistical activity.